Let’s be very clear: this outfit is simply an excuse. An excuse for me to wear an amazing recent thrift find: these Ferragamo block heeled pumps. The style is unusual and slightly retro, and certainly not my usual bag, but I couldn’t pass up those colorblocked heels — too cool (and on-trend, as it happens). The shoes are also basically new, and fit perfectly, and I’m a sucker for a good Cinderella moment so … here we are.

all in navyblock heels for the win

As I was building this outfit, I immediately knew which necklace I would wear. My giant MaxMara “toddler craft” necklace sports a rather similar vibe, and the exact shade of light blue, as the shoes. Kismet, I tell you.

necklace/shoe synchronicity

I kept the rest of the outfit monochrome because I (a) sometimes like to mix things up, and (b) wanted a neutral “canvas” for my statement accessories. I have to admit that navy is not my go-to for monochrome outfits, but I eventually got used to it. I know it’s supposed to be a more flattering colour for my ghostly complexion, but I still feel more comfortable in black. Habits are hard to break, I guess. For a bag, I went with my trusty Mag bag since burgundy goes so nicely with navy, and also because I don’t have a navy bag at my disposal … yet.

Yup, it snowed (again) on Thanksgiving. Nothing could deter me, however, from wearing the dress I had originally picked out for the occasion. This Maeve number was — what else — a lucky thrift find, and it seemed perfect for an extended family brunch. A little snow wasn’t going to stop me, no siree. Thankfully, other than the 2 minutes i soent frolicking on my driveway for blog purposes, I had no occasion to be exposed to the elements. And, to be fair, it was only, like, -5 Celsius. Practically balmy /sarcasm/ (Yes, I’m still bitter about the snow.)

Now, I know what you’re thinking. That is, indeed, a skater dress … and I am not supposed to be buying skater dresses anymore. Does it skew a little you? Maybe, I’ll give you that. Mea culpa and all that, but I ask you: would you have passed up such a cute dress? Didnt think so.

The rest of the outfit is as basic as it gets, but why reinvent the wheel when you already have a good thing going. The trench is an Elie Tahari number I thrifted earlier this year, and everything else falls into the “seen before” category: old Aldo scarf, my trusty Mag bag, and those Clarks booties you’re sick of seeing. I’m also wearing a cardigan because, well, we’re not in Kansas summer anymore, Toto. No, definitely not. Sigh.

black + burgundygo away, snow

Note: Chapter 9 of A Temporary Engagement is now up on my author blog. Check it out here. Also, Tuesday Night Thrift is about to go down again. Edmonton peeps, Nicole and I will be at the Goodwill on 51st Avenue tomorrow, October 18, starting around 6:30 pm — feel free to come by and say hi, if you want join in on the thrifting fun.

Jacket, Cartonnier (thrifted); sweater, Joe Fresh; pants, Joes Jeans; boots, Josef Seibel; bag, Longchamp (thrifted)I’m not sure how it happened, but somehow mustard yellow became a staple of my wardrobe. I know I’m not the only blogger who has a weakness for it, so I get zero points for uniqueness, and I’m not sure if my complexion is as fond of it as I am but there it is: the heart wants what it wants. (Semi-related aside: has anyone had their seasonal colour analysis done? Recommend it or nah?) This sunny hue just makes me so happy. And when it snows — yes, SNOWS — in early October, I need all the happy I can get. All the pumpkin spice lattes in the world can’t fix those blues.

yup, snowThe cropped length of this jacket is a bit awkward on me (I have a long torso), so I decided to play with proportions but adding my long-ish Joe Fresh sleeveless sweater to balance it out. No joke, this sweater is one of my all-time favourite pieces — I really wish I’d known it would become so beloved at the time I bought it, because I definitely would have bought a back-up. It will probably fall apart long before I’m ready to part with it. It goes with everything and it’s the perfect layering piece no matter the season. Basically, it s unicorn in sweater form.

Moving on, the one nice thing about winter is the opportunity to bring out my fave moto boots — these Frye lookalikes which are (a) badass, and (b) basically indestructible (and warm). It almost makes up for the snow. Almost. Bah, who am I kidding? It doesn’t, not even close.